Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 20% of women of reproductive age all around the world. The Huffington Post claims that roughly 10% of women in the United States have this disease, which is equivalent to 5 million ladies in the United States alone. It is a distressing and life-changing illness for sufferers, but with news that cannabis might be helpful for those with PCOS, things may be about to change.
We’ll go through what PCOS is, how medical cannabis might help, and which marijuana strains are best for you in this post.
What Is It Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS, in a nutshell, is an imbalance of a woman’s hormones (too many male hormones and not enough female ones) that might impede ovulation and make it more difficult to conceive. Your ovaries will grow bigger and maybe contain different structures that appear like cysts if you have PCOS (sometimes known as immature ovarian follicles). PCOS can have a significant influence on your life if left untreated; it might alter your appearance, limit your chances of having children, and even harm your long-term health. It is the most prevalent cause of infertility in the United States.
The most common reason for infertility in the United States is PCOS.
Despite the fact that researchers are aware of genetic and environmental causes, they are unable to pinpoint the exact origins of PCOS. Because the symptoms tend to run in families, it’s likely that the condition is caused, at least in part, by a mutation in one or more genes. Chemical or genetic modifications that occur during fetal development may cause PCOS in animals according to a 2016 animal study.
The majority of PCOS signs are due to abnormally high levels of androgens, which are hormones. The ovaries create chemicals (hormones) that control bodily functions. Estrogen is one of the most important sex hormones produced by women. Androgens, on the other hand, are chemicals manufactured in the body that have masculine characteristics although women generally generate far more than men do.
Examining the Symptoms of PCOS
The following are the most common symptoms associated with PCOS:
- Ovulation does not happen on a regular basis. This is due to the high androgens’ disruption of brain signals that would otherwise signal ovulation
- Ovarian cysts
- High levels of androgen
However, women with PCOS might experience the following symptoms:
- Irregularities in the menstrual cycle, such as missing periods, extremely heavy periods, no menstrual cycles (amenorrhea), and bleeding without ovulation
- Infertility
- Weight gain
- Hirsutism is a disorder characterized by the growth of excessive hair on the face, belly, chest, and upper thighs
- Oily skin
- Pelvic pain
- Severe late-onset acne that can’t be treated by regular means
- Acanthosis nigricans is when patches of thick, dark skin appear
What Is Life Like with PCOS?
The uncertainty of not knowing whether or not they can have a kid is one of the most distressing feelings imaginable for women with PCOS. It may also cause people to doubt their femininity, especially if you are suffering from symptoms such as weight gain and excessive body hair. Weight reduction is extremely tough, especially because the illness reduces your energy and motivation levels.
Conventional Remedies for PCOS
Because PCOS has a variety of symptoms, the treatment you receive will be determined by what is wrong with you. Oral contraceptives, which help to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgens, clear acne, and minimize hair growth, are available to women who do not want to get pregnant. Anti-androgens are also used; however , they must be taken together with oral contraceptives since they result in birth defects.
Other therapies include anti-androgens, however they must be used together with oral contraceptives since they can cause birth defects.
There are also insulin sensitizing substances that are intended to help your body better respond to insulin by keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
There are several treatments available to women who develop PCOS-related infertility. Letrozole, gonadotropins, Metformin, and Clomiphene are all examples of popular drugs.
Medical Research on Marijuana and PCOS
There have been no substantial medical research on marijuana and its direct influence on women with PCOS. While there is no proof that cannabis can cure PCOS, studies show that it may be beneficial in the treatment of depression, which is a frequent problem among women with PCOS. Women with PCOS were found to be more likely to suffer from depression than the general public in a 2005 study by Hollinrake et al.
It’s also reasonable to assume that cannabis consumers have a lower body fat percentage than the rest of the population, which might be used to control weight gain. Other potential benefits of marijuana for PCOS patients include possible reductions in bodily discomfort and anxiety.
5 Best Marijuana Strains for PCOS
Mr. Nice
The Mr. Nice strain is named after the late Howard Marks, a.k.a. Mr. Nice, who was a long-time advocate of cannabis legalization and a cult figure to marijuana enthusiasts all around the world. The Mr. Nice strain is an indica-dominant hybrid with a high THC content that has been widely praised for its efficacy in relieving pain.
Women who have PCOS appreciate the Mr. Nice strain, which is said to provide short-term relief from the symptoms of the illness. If you’ve never used a Mr. Nice strain before, it’s crucial to know that it’s a notorious creeper, which means its effects will gradually but effectively kick in. This strain is also one that will leave you couch-locked if you overindulge because it’s both a creep and a napper.
The Mr. Nice strain has a pleasant and euphoric high that mellows as the indica effects begin to set in. Due to the Sleeping Lady’s sedative effects, it’s better suited for late evening or nighttime use rather than daytime usage.
Remedy
The high CBD content of this strain means that it can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, making it a popular choice among PCOS patients. This strain has less than 1% of the psychoactive phytocannabinoid THC, more commonly known as THC, in cannabis and is therefore one of the best choices for medicinal users. The fact that this strain contains little to no THC makes it possible for its consumers to get all of the medical advantages without experiencing any psychotropic effects.
This strain’s low THC content means that its consumers may benefit from all of the medical advantages without experiencing any psychotropic effects.
While the THC content is extremely minimal, samples of the Remedy strain have been found to contain CBD levels as high as 15 percent.
The Remedy strain, like the Mr. Nice strain, is another heavily indica-dominant variety (75:25). It’s a popular medicinal cannabis smoke among users and helps with a wide range of ailments, ranging from stress and anxiety to headaches and migraines. According on feedback from women with PCOS, this strain is also effective in reducing the symptoms associated with that condition.
Granddaddy Purple
The Granddaddy Purple strain, also known as Granddaddy Purps, was developed by Ken Estes, the modern-day “Medicine Man.” Estes is a well-known and renowned cannabis breeder who has overcome tremendous adversity in his life. A modern-day “Medicine Man,” Ken Estes is credited with developing this strain.
In 1976, Estes was just eighteen years old and had a terrible motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. While recuperating, Estes met a group of Vietnam veterans who shared their cannabis with him. His hunger returned, and he discovered new energy and motivation to focus his attention on healing his mental, physical, and spiritual wounds.
The remainder, as the saying goes, is history. Estes has since gone on to become one of the most renowned cannabis breeders in the world, and Granddaddy Purps is undoubtedly his most known strain.
The Granddaddy Purple strain is a potent cannabis strain with THC levels reaching up to 23%. This one’s for the experts; its effects are quite powerful, so use caution. Because the indica effects of this plant are rather strong, individuals who consume it tend to become drowsy. If you overindulge in the Granddaddy Purple, you may feel utterly calm and lethargic, or even couch-locked if you’re not careful.
Granddaddy Purps can assist with a variety of ailments, including PCOS. It’s commonly used for pain alleviation, but it’s also beneficial for reducing the harmful effects of stress and sadness. The Granddaddy Purple strain is additionally a great choice for increasing hunger because to its sedative qualities.
Johnny’s Tonic
Another wonderful option for persons with PCOS is Johnny’s Tonic. This strain is ideal for medical cannabis users who prefer strains with less THC and higher CBD levels. You can anticipate an average THC level of 8-12% and a high CBD level of 12% when you consume this marijuana strain. About the impact of the Johnny’s Tonic on her PCOS symptoms, a reviewer stated:
“I have PCOS and suffer from severe cramps, nausea, and dizziness as a result of it. This not only relieved all of my symptoms but also gave me the energy I needed to go about my day!”
Johnny’s Tonic is a wonderful supplement to have in your cabinet, as it can help with the symptoms of PCOS while also improving mood and providing energy. According to smokers of this strain, it does not hinder their ability to concentrate on daily tasks, making it an ideal daytime option. This strain may be the “tonic” you’ve been looking for if you have PCOS.
Death Star
With a reputation for growing slowly, this indica-dominant variety is a notorious creeper. Effects take longer to appear than those from other strains, though keep in mind that they will hit you hard when they do. This strain has a high THC content (on average around 22% THC). Because of this, some novice or medical users may find it too powerful.
If you want to use this strain to cure PCOS symptoms, start with a small amount and build up until you feel the desired results.
The Death Star is a indica-dominant hybrid that provides an uplifting high and profound relaxation. This strain has a sleep-inducing impact as well as a sedative effect, which makes it popular among insomniacs to help them fall asleep. Naturally, this strain is ideal for evening or nighttime usage.
Final Thoughts About Marijuana and PCOS
The strains described in this article are those that women suffering from PCOS claim to be helpful at relieving the symptoms of their condition. These were the strains that women with PCOS found to be most beneficial in reducing their disease’s symptoms. It is vital to remember that some of these strains have higher THC concentrations and are more effective than others. If you want to use one of these strains to treat PCOS, try taking a little bit first to see if it helps relieve your problems; otherwise, you might get high from overconsumption.